“Train number 6526 from Kanyakumari to Bangalore will arrive in platform number 1 in just a few minutes” We heard the announcement.
Maria got up from the bench. One porter wearing a colourful sarong and red shirt was standing next to us and Maria asked him
“Chetta, where does S1 compartment stop?”
“Oh S1 Ah, that is over there” porter pointed the other end.
“Aiyyo, why didn’t you check that first Maria? Now we have to carry the bags all the way there”
“Do you want me to carry the bags?” The porter asked Amma
“How much?”
He surveyed all the bags “10 Rs for all”
“10 Rs?? I can go all the way to Cochi with that money. Men!! Amma shook her head, they always take advantage of helpless women. Nina, carry the smaller bag, I will carry the big one.”
Amma started to drag the bag and run to the other end. I tried to carry the bag. It was heavy.
“Hurry up Nina, the train will be here in a minute” Amma was panicking.
I tried to lift the bag and it slipped from my hand
“Oh Nina, Be careful, I packed the pickle bottles inside that suicase”. I stared at her. instead of helping, she was ordering me around.
“Hurry up Nina” Amma turned around and was yelling
‘This is the last time, I am ever going to carry Maria’s bag’. I promised myself.
“Liza, you hold one end and I will hold the other end” I told my sister.
We could see the train approaching the station. People were jostling and pushing everyone on the platform. Peddlers were all out ready for the 3 mintues war. In between all the chaos, Liza and I tried to drag the bag.
The train reached the platform already and I was still far away from the S1 compartment. Maria ran to the compartment to check her name on the reservation list pasted by the side of the door.
“Hurry up Nina I will miss the train”
“Can’t you help Maria?” I asked her
“Oh Nina, my hands would ache for 2 days, if I carry anything heavy. You know I have to start to work on monday”
I didn’t say anything. My sisters life was full of excuses anyway. I used all my strength to carry her bag to her compartment. My hands were red, carrying the heavy bag.
Amma helped me to lift the bag up the steps to the compartment. Another porter was inside the compartment and he tried to pull the bag inside
“No, don’t touch that bag, She can carry it inside” Amma told him. “Aiyyeda, you are trying to touch the bag and charge me for that. My daughter is strong enough to carry it inside.”
“Whatever” The porter shook his head and walked away.
“Bye Amma” Maria hugged Amma. I will buy you a silk saree when I get my first salary.
“Bye Nina, Study well” She hugged me. I felt so uncomfortable. “Ok, ok” I pushed her away.
“Bye Liza, bye Sally” She held both my sisters close to her and hugged them
“Don’t forget to buy me Cadbury chocolates” Sally spoke
“ofcourse not”
We heard the train whistle and Maria entered the train. She stood near the door. I looked at her, trying to see, if she would know how to protect herself from getting hurt. Maria was waving her hand, as the train started to move. We watched the train accelerating and Maria’s hand getting smaller and smaller.
I knew my sister is going far away from me and I can’t protect her. I felt so helpless. There was nothing I could do to help my one and only big sister. I looked at my youngest sisters. I had to make sure, nothing would happen to them. I just had to.